Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-First State Legislature

Regular Session of 2001

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 1242, S.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to continue the millennium workforce development training program.

The millennium workforce development training program was established by Act 178, Session Laws of Hawaii 1999, to enable Hawaii residents to receive education and training to improve their skills needed in the new and emerging industries in today's job market. The program also sought to stimulate Hawaii's economy by the creation of this highly skilled workforce.

Your Committee finds that by providing training and education opportunities, the millennium workforce development training program provides personal benefits to program participants by expanding their qualifications in the job market and increasing their employment opportunities. The creation of a highly skilled workforce also benefits Hawaii's economy by adding an important element needed to attract new industries and businesses. Your Committee believes that continuing the millennium workforce development training program will help Hawaii residents find meaningful jobs in the new millennium and have a positive impact on the State's economy, by providing the skilled workforce required for new business opportunities that will stimulate our economic growth.

Your Committee has amended this bill to:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1242, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1242, S.D. 2.